The Meltzer Group

OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES: For Tom Cogan, part of creating operational efficiencies as president of Meltzer Group Benefits is about speaking to colleagues inside and outside the office to see what practices they have in place to lead more effectively. “I enjoy listening to our team members and trying to understand what I can do to help them work more intelligently,” he says. Though working in an industry with an evolving landscape has been a challenge, Cogan says strategies like this have helped him lead the team and navigate through the nuances of the healthcare space.

STRONG CULTURE: Cogan has fostered a strong culture at The Meltzer Group by remaining caring, thoughtful and encouraging. “We serve a high number of clients from across the country, and this industry can be stressful at times,” says Cogan. “I want my team to know that I’m always there for them and that they can look to me for advice, whether it pertains to health insurance or something in their personal life.”

FUN FACT: Cogan threw out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game in September 2015. His pitch made it to home plate without a bounce.

DAY-TO-DAY BALANCE: Cogan’s strong relationship with The Meltzer Group’s CEO has been key to his success. The two share a symbiotic relationship, in which each acts as both a teacher and student, and Cogan welcomes challenges from the CEO. “I love his passion for our work and his relentless pursuit of greatness, and I think our work styles mesh very well together,” says Cogan.